John Steenburgh

Mr. John L. Steenburgh, a resident of the town of German Flatts, went home to be with the Lord on Tuesday morning, November 18, 2003. Throughout his courageous battle and until the time of his passing, he had the love, comfort and support of his family at his bedside. He was born on November 2, 1932 a son of the late John H. and Marion (King) Steenburgh who resides in Johnstown. He was educated in Fonda-Fultonville schools. On June 29, 1957, he was joined in marriage with the former Esther Crosby in the Faith Bible Church in Carlisle, NY: John and Esther established and shared a loving union over the course or their 46 years together. Mr. Steenburgh was last employed at Valley Health Services, Herkimer. He was a well-respected employee at the nursing home, always offering his assistance to the staff and residents. Prior to his employment at Valley Health Services, he operated the Steenburgh Family Farm. John was a loyal and dedicated member of the First Baptist Church, Little Falls where he served on the Board of Trustees and Board of Deacons. He considered his church and relationship with Jesus Christ to be an important priority in his life, which led him to participate in many activities and services. John's own strength of character and his personal value system made him an exemplary role model, mentor and friend to many. He touched, energized, and influenced the hopes, hearts and lives of his family and friends. It was through his religion and caring ways that he touched the lives of many. In reviewing the many and varied aspects of John's life, it is obvious that he fulfilled many roles with great success and dedication: he will be lovingly remembered by all who knew him. He is survived by his beloved wife, Esther, his beloved mother, Marion Steenburgh of Johnstown, two dedicated sons, John P. Steenburgh and wife Melissa of Ephratah and Matthew J. Steenburgh and wife Erin of Paines Hollow, two loving daughters, Mary Prokopienko and husband John of Paines Hollow and Martha Higgins and husband Steven of Ilion, a brother Darrell Steenburgh and wife Frances of Florida, four sisters, Eleanor Crosby and husband Howard of Carlisle, NY, Betty Havlicek and husband James of Johnstown, Lois Pettit and husband Ronald of Fort Plain and Donna Steenburgh of Johnstown and twelve cherished grandchildren. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, cousins, friends and all of his family at Valley Health Services, Herkimer. Besides his father, he was predeceased by a brother Arch Steenburgh. The family invites friends and relatives to pay their respects on Thursday, November 20, 2003 from 2-4 and 6-8 p.m. at the Holleran-Enea Funeral Home, 220 N. Washington St., Herkimer. John's funeral will commence at 11 am on Friday morn., Nov. 21, from the First Baptist Church, Albany St., Little Falls with the Rev. Donald Dixon, pastor, officiating. Following the funeral service, friends are asked to join with the family in fellowship hall at the Baptist Church. Procession will then follow to Evergreen Cemetery, Fonda, where John will be laid to rest. Kindly consider expressions of sympathy in the form of contributions to the Mohawk Valley Christian Academy, envelopes are available at the funeral home and also maybe obtained at the church on Friday morning. The family would like to thank the staff at Valley Health Services, Herkimer for their wonderful and outstanding concern and professionalism in attending to John. Also a special thanks to Pastor Donald Dixon for his spiritual support.